In a turn of events that has sent ripples through the ranks of Thailand’s aviation sector, smoke spiraled dramatically from the site of a police helicopter crash in Muang district, Prachuap Khiri Khan, on May 24. The tragedy marked the second fatal incident within a month, prompting swift action from the top echelons of the Royal Thai Police.
Following these air disasters, the National Police Chief, Pol Gen Kittharath Punpetch, issued a decisive suspension order targeting four officers from the Police Aviation Division (PAD). Among those who found themselves grounded were Division Commander Pol Maj Gen Amnat Detbunluang, along with Deputy Commander Pol Col Daenchai Pimsarn, and aviation technicians Pol Col Pichaisak Punyothorn and Pol Lt Col Suthep Wongkuan. To steer the division through these turbulent skies, Division Deputy Commander Pol Col Narong Iamsom stepped up as acting commander.
The backdrop to these suspensions was a harrowing 30 days marked by two separate crashes. The wheels of tragedy first spun on April 25, when a DHC-6-400 Twin Otter, proudly sporting the insignia of the Royal Thai Police, crash-landed off the serene shores of Cha-am district in Phetchaburi. The incident cruelly claimed the lives of six officers. Lightning struck a second time on May 24, when a Bell-212 helicopter from the Kanchanaburi Police Aviation Unit met a devastating fate in Prachuap Khiri Khan, resulting in the loss of three more brave officers.
In response to these calamitous events, the RTP Inspector-General Office was galvanized into action, commissioning a dedicated committee to dissect and probe both incidents thoroughly. As a part of those efforts, Pol Gen Kittharath convened a crucial meeting at the PAD office. The dialogue centered around dissecting these tragic events and sculpting a future plan that would bolster air safety, emphasizing the importance of pilots operating with a renewed emphasis on stringent safety protocols.
After a temporary no-fly order shook operations to a halt on May 26, activities at the PAD resumed on Saturday, much to the relief of those eager to restore normalcy. With Pol Gen Kittharath at the helm, a meticulous inspection of the aircraft is well underway, aiming to wrap up within a week’s time, ensuring that all corners are scrutinized and all knots are firmly tied.
The preliminary findings related to the May 24 crash have cast the spotlight on a critical mechanical failure. Pol Gen Thatchai Pitaneelaboot, the RTP inspector-general, shed some light on the scenario, pointing to a malfunction involving the Bell-212’s large tail propeller. This critical component’s failure, attributed to the missing bolts—what a technical misstep—had caused the helicopter to lose its poise and ultimately crash. The missing bolts, puzzlingly absent despite having a good 600 hours of operational life remaining, have now become the focal point of the ongoing investigation.
This mechanical puzzle prompted calls for stringent inspection regimes. While minor repairs fall under police jurisdiction, Thai Airways shoulders the broader mantle of general maintenance, ensuring that such lapses, however minor, do not slip through the cracks. As investigators dive deeper into these mishaps, the pursuit of answers continues, driven by the shared commitment to prevent history from repeating itself.
As the investigation chugs along, the country stands united in grief and determination, ready to rebuild the trust and safety its skies deserve. The fallen officers are remembered as heroes, their legacy pressing upon the surviving men and women in uniform to uplift standards, ensuring that every flight starts and ends safely, with stories of bravery—not tragedy—dominating the headlines.
It’s tragic that these crashes aren’t just a one-time event. Something’s definitely wrong with the way things are run!
I agree, Joe. It’s definitely concerning that the mechanical failure wasn’t caught earlier.
But then again, accidents happen everywhere. It’s hard to prevent every single one.
Could be corruption and cutting corners for profit. Makes you wonder if someone’s pocketing maintenance funds!
Honestly, suspending those officers is just a political move. It doesn’t bring back the lives lost, nor does it address the root cause.
Exactly, what will this achieve? We need real reforms, not scapegoats.
Wasn’t Thai Airways responsible for maintenance? They should be more accountable!
Felix, you’re oversimplifying. Maintenance responsibility can be complex; blaming Thai Airways isn’t the full picture.
Sure, SkyPilot, but if they’re involved at any level, it’s fair to scrutinize them!
Mechanics need more oversight. Missing bolts? That’s just unacceptable!
Agreed, Miriam. Hopefully, this investigation leads to better checks and balance in aviation safety.
Everyone’s quick to blame. Let’s not forget the pressure pilot and crews face regularly, often juggling safety protocols with limited resources.
I’m just glad no civilians were hurt. Prayers to the families of those officers.
It’s a small relief, Sue, but let’s hope these tragedies lead to real change.
We can question everything, but ultimately, these men and women put their lives on the line daily for our safety.
It’s frightening to see these incidents occur with such frequency. Makes me worried about flying regional.
I think Kittharath’s emphasis on future safety is the silver lining here.
But is it more than just talking points? Actions speak louder than words, Rose.
Fair point, Wendy. Let’s hope the next time we hear about this, it’s because significant improvements have been made.
Crisis management in situations like these isn’t easy. I applaud any effort to address the issues, however slow it may seem.
Some of you are really cynical! Believe in the process; things like this take time to unravel.
Suspicion around mechanical failure roles implies deeper systemic issues.
Indeed, Pearl. Systemic issues are often at the heart of repeated incidents.
Anyone else think that it’s suspicious how quickly they resumed flights?
It’s hard to trust aviation when these tragedies keep piling up.
As a pilot, I can tell you that every incident like this shakes our community to its core. We’re constantly working to improve.
I hope Thai Airways steps up their maintenance game. Safety should never be compromised.
Let’s not forget the families of these brave officers. They deserve our utmost respect and condolences.